“FATHER OF FISHERIES.”

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 22 June 1927, Page 10

“FATHER OF FISHERIES.”

- LATE L. ’l’. AY SON. The interests of anglers have suil'ored a severe loss, in the, death of Mr L. Ayson, late Inspector of Fisheries. A writer in one of the city papers has described him as “the father of the now lamed fisheries of New Zealand.’ His career is of special interest to Ha.wera anglers, because he formed tlio original plan of the hatcheries on Glover Road, and has always taken a keen interest in this district. Mr B. 0. Bennett, president of the- Hawera Society, recalls an association with Air Ayson' dating back many years, when he was living in the Wairarapa, and ever since then retained a great actmiration for his thorough and wholehearted interest in the *spoit, which mves so much to his hard work and personality. For several years Air Ayson bad been greatly interested in the introduction of the quinnat saijnon, and when talking over fishing matters, always made .some reference to the salmon. * ft will l>e of interest to know that his connection with fish-culture started in the “eighties. ” when he took up the [x>sition of curator ot the breediingjxmds of the AYellington Acclimatisation Society, at Alasterton, Wairarapa. When the Government took over the development and protection of the sea fisheries. Air Ayson joined the Marine Department in the position of chief inspector. In that capacity he had charge of many prospecting expeditions made in trawling vessels in various parts of New Zealand. It was he, also, who carried out the measures taken from time to time for the -conservation ot' "the oyster-beds, of the Auckland provincial district, and kept watch oyer the operations over the vai-ions trawl liu; companies, of Pile. Dominion, in seeing that they observed the law a,s regards the limits within which they were entitled 'to dredge. Further. Air Ayson did important work in connection with the acclimatisation of fish imported in the ova stage from Britain and America the various: kinds of trout and the Pacific, and Atlantic salmon. For this, purpose he \va«? entrusted by the Government, with journeys to America in order to select and direct tlie shipments. The 'success of the acclimatisation of salmon in tbo southern waters wa« to him a mattei of especial pride.